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    Is the CPU upgradeable in the NP8170?

    Discussion in 'Sager and Clevo' started by Ranma13, Mar 12, 2011.

  1. Ranma13

    Ranma13 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Is the CPU upgradeable in the NP8170?
     
    Ranma13, Mar 12, 2011
    #1
  2. Tapakidney

    Tapakidney Notebook Evangelist

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    Yes.

    Si.

    Mmhmm.
     
    Tapakidney, Mar 12, 2011
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  3. Ranma13

    Ranma13 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks. I didn't know if it was soldered on or if it was a socket.
     
    Ranma13, Mar 12, 2011
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  4. LaptopNut

    LaptopNut Notebook Virtuoso

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    The CPU, GPU and the RAM are all upgradeable to some extent, that is one of the benefits of owning a Sager laptop.
     
    LaptopNut, Mar 12, 2011
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  5. Ranma13

    Ranma13 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah, so I've heard, except MXM cards are hard to find and are exorbitantly expensive. I've been trying to decide whether to get the NP7280 or the NP8170. If the CPU was not upgradeable in the NP8170, that would've made the decision easier, but because it is, I'm on the fence once again.
     
    Ranma13, Mar 13, 2011
    #5
  6. ssnseawolf

    ssnseawolf Notebook Consultant

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    To be fair, mainstream CPU's are upgradable in every computer or laptop, TDP and socket willing (except for Atom and such).

    But honestly, are you ever going to upgrade the processor? I can relate wanting to think that we'll have our laptop for some time to come, but at some point not far down the line it'll be cheaper to replace the entire unit rather than upgrade the processor and GPU. You may have your own valid reasons for wanting to do so, but for most people I'd say it's best to not even consider an upgrade path.
     
    ssnseawolf, Mar 13, 2011
    #6
  7. LaptopNut

    LaptopNut Notebook Virtuoso

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    I was also trying to decide between those two models. The extra battery time of the NP8170 (potentially 3 hours) and the much lighter chassis weight (3.91KGs) and extra portability was the deciding factor for me.

    Sure, the NP7280 can use two powerful GTX 485M GPU's but I know for a fact that my gaming needs will be perfectly matched with a single GTX 485M for years. I am not interested in maxing out every single title and I play a lot of older games with mods. The 5.6 Kgs weight of the NP7280 and the 30 minutes of battery time leave me with less options if I ever wanted to travel or even watch a movie away from the AC. The SB processors are also close in performance to the Desktop ones now too.
     
    LaptopNut, Mar 13, 2011
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  8. hispeed4567

    hispeed4567 Notebook Evangelist

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    Would it be upgradeable to Ivy Bridge if the socket stays the same?
     
    hispeed4567, Mar 13, 2011
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  9. Karamazovmm

    Karamazovmm Overthinking? Always!

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    if the socket is the same, then a bios update would solve the issue. Or maybe additional features in the motherboards, since the Z68 is pretty different then the Pm 67/65 or the HM 67/65

    however I dont believe that the socket is going to be the same, and I dont see any proof that Im either wrong or right.
     
    Karamazovmm, Mar 13, 2011
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  10. LaptopNut

    LaptopNut Notebook Virtuoso

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    It makes little business sense to keep the same socket, why would they when they can get customers to buy complete new hardware when Ivy bridge arrives.
     
    LaptopNut, Mar 13, 2011
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  11. Pman

    Pman Company Representative

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    Chances of the socket staying the same are almost non existant im afraid
     
    Pman, Mar 13, 2011
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  12. hispeed4567

    hispeed4567 Notebook Evangelist

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    Damn. Well I guess my next upgrade will be when Rockwell drops in 2014
     
    hispeed4567, Mar 13, 2011
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  13. Valtzer

    Valtzer Notebook Enthusiast

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    Eh, here's to hoping.

    Link

    That article suggests that the same chipset/socket will work, but I haven't found any other source that confirm or deny the fact.
     
    Valtzer, Mar 14, 2011
    #13